43154, Stoutsville, Ohio Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 43154, Stoutsville, Ohio is 62 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

52.28 percent of residents in 43154 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.51 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Berger Hospital with a distance of 5.45 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Stoutsville (ZIP Code 43154)

The shadow of a breast cancer diagnosis can be daunting, and access to timely and quality healthcare is paramount. This analysis, a "Breast Cancer Score," assesses the accessibility of breast cancer-related services for residents of Stoutsville, Ohio (ZIP Code 43154), focusing on transportation options. Understanding these pathways is crucial, particularly for those considering a move to this community. Navigating healthcare, especially during a health crisis, demands clarity. This score considers drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport, painting a picture of healthcare access.

The primary factor influencing the Breast Cancer Score is the proximity to comprehensive breast cancer care. In this context, "care" encompasses mammography, diagnostic imaging (ultrasound, MRI), surgical oncology, radiation oncology, medical oncology (chemotherapy, immunotherapy), and supportive services like physical therapy and counseling. The availability of these services directly impacts the score.

**Driving to Care:**

Stoutsville, a rural community, relies heavily on personal vehicles for transportation. The primary route to access breast cancer services is by car. The drive times to the nearest comprehensive cancer centers are critical.

The closest major healthcare hub is located in Lancaster, Ohio, approximately 15 miles away. Driving to the Fairfield Medical Center, a facility that offers a range of cancer services, typically takes between 20-30 minutes. The primary route is via US-33, a major highway that connects Stoutsville to Lancaster. Traffic conditions on US-33 are generally moderate, but can be heavier during peak commuting hours. This drive time is a significant component of the score.

For more specialized care, such as advanced surgical procedures or clinical trials, residents may need to travel to Columbus, Ohio, about 40 miles north. This journey involves a longer drive, typically taking 50-60 minutes, primarily via US-33 and then onto I-270, the outerbelt highway surrounding Columbus. Traffic on I-270 can be unpredictable, especially during rush hour, potentially extending travel times significantly. This longer distance and variable travel time negatively affect the Breast Cancer Score.

Another option for specialized care is the OhioHealth Pickerington Medical Campus, located approximately 30 miles away. The drive time is approximately 40-50 minutes, primarily via US-33 and then onto OH-256.

**Public Transportation: A Limited Option:**

Public transportation options in Stoutsville and the surrounding areas are limited, posing a significant challenge for those without access to a personal vehicle. The Lancaster-Fairfield County Transportation (LCT) provides bus services, but routes and schedules are infrequent, and primarily focus on serving Lancaster and the immediate surrounding areas.

There is no direct public transit route from Stoutsville to Lancaster. Even if a resident could access the LCT, the travel time would likely be significantly longer than driving, involving transfers and waiting times. The lack of readily available public transit severely impacts the Breast Cancer Score.

ADA accessibility is a critical consideration. LCT buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts and other accommodations for passengers with disabilities. However, the limited service area and frequency make it difficult for individuals to utilize public transportation for regular healthcare appointments. The Breast Cancer Score reflects this limitation.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the area, but their reliability and cost can vary. Availability in Stoutsville may be limited, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing to and from medical appointments can quickly become a financial burden. This factor is considered in the Breast Cancer Score.

Medical transportation services, such as those offered by local ambulance companies or specialized medical transport providers, offer another option. These services are specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments. However, they are typically more expensive than ride-sharing and may require prior arrangements. The availability and cost of medical transport are also factors in the Breast Cancer Score.

**Medical Facility Overview:**

Fairfield Medical Center in Lancaster offers a comprehensive range of breast cancer services, including screening mammography, diagnostic imaging, surgical oncology, medical oncology, and radiation oncology. The facility is accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer. This proximity and comprehensive service availability positively impact the Breast Cancer Score.

The OhioHealth Pickerington Medical Campus offers breast cancer services. While not as comprehensive as Fairfield Medical Center, it offers a valuable option for residents.

The major cancer centers in Columbus, such as The James Cancer Hospital at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and the Mount Carmel Health System, provide highly specialized and advanced care. However, the distance and travel time to these facilities impact the overall score.

**Breast Cancer Score Assessment:**

Considering all factors – drive times, public transportation limitations, ride-sharing availability, and the range of services offered at nearby facilities – the Breast Cancer Score for Stoutsville (ZIP Code 43154) is moderate. While Fairfield Medical Center in Lancaster provides a reasonable level of care within a manageable driving distance, the lack of robust public transportation options and the potential need for longer travel times to access specialized services in Columbus or Pickerington reduce the overall score.

For individuals considering moving to Stoutsville, this analysis provides a critical perspective on healthcare access. It highlights the importance of reliable personal transportation and the potential challenges faced by those who rely on public transit or ride-sharing.

**Improving the Score:**

The Breast Cancer Score could be improved through several initiatives. Increased public transportation options, including routes connecting Stoutsville to Lancaster and Columbus, would significantly enhance healthcare access. Partnerships between healthcare providers and ride-sharing services could offer discounted transportation for patients. Expanding the range of breast cancer services available at Fairfield Medical Center or Pickerington would reduce the need for travel to Columbus.

This "Breast Cancer Score" analysis underscores the importance of understanding the transportation landscape when assessing healthcare access. It provides a valuable framework for residents of Stoutsville and those considering moving to the area, ensuring informed decisions regarding their healthcare needs. This is especially true for those facing a breast cancer diagnosis, where timely access to care is crucial.